Bake It Till You Make It: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe Collection
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Quick Overview Section
Recipe Rating: ★★★★★
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per bar
Introduction
Thanksgiving is synonymous with warmth, family, and, of course, delicious desserts. One of my all-time favorites is Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars. A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced Pumpkin, these bars are a perfect twist on traditional Pumpkin pie. Growing up, my family would gather to bake these, filling the house with the warm and inviting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. They are not only a crowd-pleaser but also cater to various preferences—this recipe can easily be made gluten-free or vegan.
Ingredients List
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- For the filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin spice mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch Baking pan.
- Make Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared Baking pan.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Ingredients: Add Pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, Pumpkin spice, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the Baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Tips and Tricks Section
- Ingredient Alternatives: For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or ground oats.
- Vegan Substitutes: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Enhance Flavor: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cloves for a more robust Pumpkin flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Macronutrients:
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Micronutrients:
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Recipe Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Leftover Serving Ideas: Crumbled toppings when serving can add a nice crunch!
FAQs
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?
- Vegan cream cheese works great; alternatively, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth.
- How do I reheat the cheesecake bars?
- They are best served cold, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired.
- Can I add toppings?
- Absolutely! Whipped cream, caramel, or chopped nuts make great additions.
Please Give Us Your Feedback
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars on social media. Your feedback fuels our kitchen creativity!
Recipe Card: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups
- Melted butter: ⅓ cup
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
- Cream cheese: 16 oz (softened)
- Pumpkin puree: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Pumpkin spice mix: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch Baking pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the Baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining filling ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Pour filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until center is set.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours before slicing.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 200 kcal
Macronutrients:
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
Micronutrients:
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Tips and Variations:
- For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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